Master-crafted violins
Konrad Kohlert's passion is violinmaking. Besides building violas and cellos, the luthier specialises in violinmaking. His replicas of old master violins are in demand throughout the world and are highly esteemed by professional musicians.
He bases his replicas on just a few selected
models of old masters. Because Konrad Kohlert is convinced that the sound and excellent quality of the original instruments can only be reproduced by intensive study:
"First of all, I try to understand how the violinmaker constructed the instrument, and what he wanted to achieve. That is necessary to recreate the sound of a violin as authentrically as possible. For me, the sound and playability of a violin are all-important. The appearance of the violin should also be harmonious and pleasing. But I am not intent on transferring every scratch on the original to the reproduction. That would be an intrusion on my artistic freedom. I don't make violins for collectors but for musicians who use their instruments. And what they need most of all is an excellent tool."
Craftsmanship down to the last detail
Konrad Kohlert builds all his models by hand - right down to the last detail. He only uses tonewood of the very best quality that has been seasoned for many years. He also produces his own oil varnish for varnishing his instruments, dyed with pigments based on the Cremonese method.
And none of his instruments leave his workshop before being played, tested and optimised with the help of experienced musicians. The result is instruments with excellent tonal characteristics,
responsive, powerful volume of tone, excellent playability, and the charm of an antique instrument.
Overview of all models
Here is an overview of all the models that Konrad Kohlert creates in his workshop:
1. Violin - Guarneri model
This instrument is based on the "ex Carrodus II" of 1741.
Harmonious, voluminous, resonant tone; powerful, sonorous G string; brilliant E string; broad sound sprec-
trum; very responsive;
excellent solo instrument
Year of construction 2008
Year of construction 2007
2. Violin - Stradivarius model
This violin is a reproduction of model P (Stradivari Catalog).
Brighter sound range; compact, focussed, brilliant sound; very responsive;
excellent instrument for concertmasters, also very suitable as a solo instrument
Year of construction 2006
3. Violin - Gagliano modelo
This violin is based on a violin made by Nicolo Gagliano, the most illustrious violin master craftsman of the Gagliano family.
Feminine, full, balanced tone; very responsive; ideal for chamber music
(not illustrated)
4. Violin - Amati model
Free reproduction of a baroque violin original of brothers Hieronimus and Antonius Amati from the 17th century;
light, baroque construction method with baroque finger board; strung with gut strings or, on request, partially with metal-wrapped gut or synthetic core strings;
bright, silvery, very beautiful soft tone; very responsive;
ideally suited for baroque chamber music
(not illustrated)
5. Cello (own design)
This cello is made according to Kohlert's own design. It has a balanced, broad range of tone and is very responsive.
(not illustrated)
By the way:
Besides building new instruments, Konrad Kohlert also performs expert repair and restoration work of stringed instruments.